General Election Voters’ Pamphlet, online version out this week

The General Election Voters’ Pamphlet for all races in Washington is being mailed throughout the state this week. An online version is available here.

October 13, 2014 2:11 pm
This is an example of the 1914 Voters' Pamphlet.
This is an example of the 1914 Voters' Pamphlet.

The General Election Voters’ Pamphlet for all races in Washington is being mailed throughout the state this week. An online version is available here.

The Voters’ Pamphlet, provided by the Elections Division, is packed with useful information about state candidates and measures found on this fall’s ballot. It includes info on the three statewide initiatives on the ballot: Initiative 1351, which aims to lower class sizes in Washington public schools; Initiative 591, which would prohibit government agencies from requiring background checks on firearm recipients unless a uniform national standard is required; and I-594, which would require universal background checks on gun purchases. The popular voter education booklet also has information on the two nonbinding Advisory Votes on revenue-related bills passed by the state Legislature this year.

Here are some facts and figures about this year’s Voters’ Pamphlet:

• The Elections Division is mailing it to 3.2 million households throughout Washington. There is no opt-out list. It is delivered to every household in the state as required by the Washington Constitution. Mailing to all households is the most cost-effective way to deliver it.

• It’s printed in 27 regional editions, including in Chinese, Vietnamese and Spanish (as required by federal law). The Chinese and Vietnamese versions are mailed in King County. Voters in Adams, Franklin and Yakima counties receive bilingual (English/Spanish) editions.

• Accessible audio and text formats are available for voters who are blind or have limited vision. Voters without Internet access can contact the Elections Division for subscription options.

• Additional copies of the printed Voters’ Pamphlet are available in County Auditor offices, libraries, post offices, long-term care centers and disability service centers.

• Several editions are as small as 64 pages. Franklin County, which has a bilingual edition, has the largest Voters’ Pamphlet at 144 pages.

• Our office does not fact-check our correct statements or arguments by candidates or ballot measure committees. They are printed as submitted.